Raymond began as a personal challenge: could a book be engaging without relying on sex, drugs, violence, or tragedy? The answer turned into something even more meaningful, a mostly true story about a group of teens growing up before social media, when creativity, mischief, and friendship filled the hours.

At its heart, Raymond is about finding your place, standing up in your own way, and tipping the scales against a few school bullies, not with cruelty, but with cleverness and camaraderie.

If you've ever wondered what life felt like when entertainment had to be invented, not downloaded, this story might feel both refreshing and familiar.

Sometimes the simplest stories are the ones that stay with you the longest.